News & Events

Meet Kane: Our NDT Apprentice!

Tuesday 5th, March 2019

Kane Wingrove recently joined Lavender International as an NDT apprentice and is currently undertaking the NDT Operator apprenticeship by Skills Training UK. As it’s National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2019), we find out how Kane is getting on in his new role and what it’s like to be an apprentice in the NDT industry.

Tell us a bit about your role at LavendersI am currently based in the UT department at the Advanced Manufacturing Park. My role so far has involved observing the other tutors and assisting with the general running of the office. Eventually I would like to progress onto the more advanced subjects such as ToFD and Phased Array.

Why did you choose to go down the route of an Apprenticeship?I’ve always been interested in Engineering and thought that an apprenticeship would be the best way to gain technical experience, qualifications and earn a wage at the same time.

How have you found the apprenticeship programme so far?I’ve had my enrolment and starter induction from Skills Training and will hopefully begin my project soon, which I am looking forward to! I’m enjoying it so far and looking forward to progressing more in my role.

What aspects of the job have you enjoyed?Over the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to work with PhD students from Imperial Collage London, who carried out research into the advantages and disadvantages of conventional and advanced methods in NDT. I supported the tutor, Andy Waller, and got to contribute to the presentation by the Imperial College students. I found this really rewarding and found it further developed my own understanding of NDT.

I also like the fact that I work for an employee owned company. I think it will allow for more opportunities to develop and to have an active participation in the success of the business.

Do you think that you would recommend an Apprenticeship programme?Yes definitely! I think it is a good alternative to University as you get practical experience on the job. Nowadays, with so many people going to University, it makes it even more competitive and employers are looking for work experience as well as qualifications!

For more information about NDT Apprenticeships, please get in touch: amy@lavender-ndt.com